v43_1007 - VETRANIO for CONSTANTIUS II Maiorina, (MB, Æ 2)

VETRANIO for CONSTANTIUS II

(350)

Coinage in the name of Constantius II

The year 350 is a pivotal date in the history of the Empire. Magnentius was proclaimed august at Autun on January 18, 350. Constans fled to Spain. He is caught by Gaiso in Elne, at the foot of the Pyrenees, at the end of January and is assassinated. Events will then rush. Vétranion was proclaimed august on March 1, 350 at the instigation of Constantina, daughter of Constantine I and Fausta, widow of Hanniballien, future wife of Constance Galle. Magnentius seizes Italy for a short time because Nepotian, the son of Anastasia, half-sister of Constantine I, is proclaimed in Rome on June 3. His reign lasted only 27 days. He is eliminated as well as his mother by Marcellinus, faithful of Magnentius. Meanwhile Constantius II, last surviving son of Constantine I, is trying to temporize. He sends emissaries to Magnentius and to Vétranion. Negotiations with Magnentius failed, but Vétranion, who recognized Constantius II, abdicated on December 25, 350 and retired to Bithynia. He will die there in 356.